Sterling Bank has announced the first 30 recipients of its ₦2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship, a groundbreaking nationwide initiative aimed at funding university education for 600 exceptional young Nigerians while connecting them to future careers in high-impact sectors.
The program, launched in June 2025, marks Sterling Bank’s most ambitious education-focused intervention to date. It goes beyond paying tuition fees, positioning itself as a strategic tool for national development by bridging the gap between academic achievement and employability.
Under the scheme, the scholarship fully covers undergraduate tuition at two forward-thinking partner institutions Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and Hillside University of Science & Technology (HUST), a STEM-focused campus in Ekiti State.
“This is more than a scholarship. It’s a national development strategy,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank. “We’re closing the gap between education and employability. Our mission is to prepare young people for the future of work in sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s progress.”
The initiative aligns with the bank’s HEART strategy — an investment framework prioritising Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation — and is tailored to build a steady pipeline of skilled talent for sectors critical to the nation’s growth.
Community-Driven Selection Process
The inaugural 30 scholars were selected through a transparent, community-driven voting process open to Sterling Bank account holders. All nominees were vetted to ensure they met the admission requirements of the partner universities.
The winners include: Abdulahi Afolabi, Damilare Tijani, Abdulwahab Eniafe, Abubakar Isah, Tahir Enesi Ibrahim, Julius Agbene Agbo, Chinedu Kelechi Patrick, Ayomide Ojo, Fyneseed Nwogu, Miracle Woyinmomoemi Daniel, Serene Clinton, Temiloluwa Orekunrin, Udeme Umoh, Victor Esogwa, Rosemary Kosipre, Ali Mohammed, Usman Isiaka Ololade, Kayode Aikulola, Saviour Philip, Ademola Afolabi, Emmanuel Enekwa, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, Ezekiel Adeseye, Deborah Umeaku, Abba Kaka Lawan, Haisam Sunusi Mahmuda, John Gumuan, Afan Ajiji, Bajepade Kehinde, and Chioma Igwe.
While the scholarship covers full tuition, recipients will bear costs related to internet access, learning materials, and living expenses a structure the bank says ensures sustainability and scalability for the program.
Sterling Bank has pledged to continue awarding scholarships until the target of 600 beneficiaries is met, with each cohort expected to join a growing network of young Nigerians positioned to make measurable contributions to the country’s economic and social development.
